When a terminally ill patient was admitted to a hospice, staff went a step further to meet her emotional needs. They arrange a touching and unforgettable reunion for her and her beloved pet.
This month, a hospice shared the story of Jan Holman, a 68-year-old woman from Chester, England, who spent several weeks in hospital before being placed in Good Shepherd Hospice.
She hadn’t had a chance to say goodbye to her pet before embarking on her final trip to hospice. For 10 years, she has longed to see her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Monty and Raleigh, and her trusty horse, Bob.
NOTHING WAS TOO MUCH EFFORT
Thankfully, the hospice facility allowed Holman to receive visitors. She knew she would meet her husband, Dennis, and maybe their dog. However, she never expected that she would dote on her horse again.
When her husband, 46, found out that pets might be added to their visitor list, he was ecstatic. “The staff here are great. Nothing is too much trouble, including arranging a horseback ride!” he said.
COULD NEVER THANK THEM ENOUGH
Holman was unwell and unable to get out of bed, but seeing her animal for the last time meant everything to her. She is a horse lover and spends most of her life in the saddle every day.
Holman said she has missed her animals terribly over the past few weeks and is grateful for what the hospice has done for them.
CARED FOR ALL NEEDS
Louise Saville King, assistant ward manager at the hospice, shared that they knew Holman was passionate about their animals from day one with them. They are designed to take care of the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, she added.
It is important for her hospice to provide medical and health support, while also providing her patients with every possible support in other areas of their lives.
A POSITIVE PLACE
“It’s about doing what we can to make a difference for our patients and their families,” King said, adding that while people are often afraid or reluctant to move into hospice, it’s a very “positive place to be.” “.
Netizens were overwhelmed by Holman’s gesture of love and care. The post, shared on Facebook, received more than a thousand likes and hundreds of comments.
